CTF 15: Protecting the Open Seas
While air dominance is important in modern warfare (crucially so), we must not forget the role the US Navy plays in keeping the waters of the world safe from aggression. Combined Task Force 151 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, the task force’s flagship, recently completed a four-day port visit to the Republic of Seychelles.
During the visit, Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, CTF 151, and Capt. Richard Brown, Gettysburg’s commanding officer, made a visit to the Seychelles People’s Defense Forces’ Chief of Staff, Col. Clifford Roseline, where they discussed the importance of counterpiracy operations, information sharing and the nation’s strategic importance in helping prevent and deter acts of piracy.
“Because of Seychelles’ location, it has an important role to play in combating piracy,” said Bener. “They recognize their strategic importance and the negative impacts piracy has not only on their nation, but on nations worldwide. They’ve stepped up to the challenge and pirates are facing tough logistical conditions as a result.”
CTF 151 Chief of Staff Turkish Capt. Faruk Dogan also made office calls to the commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard, Col. D. Gertrude and the Indian warship INS Trishul, which was in Victoria for a port visit to the island nation.
“Coordination and ‘deconfliction’ is key to our success as a counter piracy task force,” said Dogan. “There’s a great deal of water we need to protect and patrol and begin able to coordinate our efforts allows us and the rest of the international naval community to do that efficiently and
effectively.”
CTF 151 is a Turkish-led, multinational task force established to conduct counter piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation
for the benefit of all nations.
Do you know someone in the US Navy? Leave a comment below and help support the troops.
Sgt. Stryker out.
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